Menoctoberish - a month of festivals

Now we come to Saptami - wear grey today. The avatar of focus is Kaalratri, she who is as black as night.

In this form, maa was able to fight all evil forces, giving no mercy. She is there for those times when life has to be shaken about and freed of ties and troubles seem to be round every corner.

Black references primal darkness before creation and also the darkness of ignorance. Hence this form of the goddess is considered as one who destroys the darkness of ignorance.

Invoking Goddess Kaalratri, therefore, empowers the devotee with the devouring quality of kala (time) and the all-consuming nature of ratri (night) - allowing all obstacles to be overcome and guaranteeing success in all undertakings.

This form primarily depicts that life also has a dark side – the violence of Mother Nature that encompasses death and destruction. It is necessary to till the soil, to burn stubble and stale roots in order to prepare the ground for new seeds and growth. If we are to make major progress in life, we must be prepared to cut away unwanted habits and even relationships.

Kaalratri rides a donkey - there is no place for vanity when seeking growth.